Following major problems with distributor EUK, U.K. entertainment retailer Zavvi has temporarily suspended its Web site service, as it is unable to guarantee supplies to customers.
The Woolworths-owned EUK went into administration along with the group’s retail arm on Nov. 27. Both are still trading but EUK was unable to supply stock of major new releases to its customers on Dec. 1, including Britney Spears’ “Circus” (Jive/Sony BMG) and Take That’s “The Circus” (Polydor).
In a statement, Zavvi says it has now arranged alternative supplies for its 125 stores in the U.K and Ireland. However, the retailer’s Web site, www.zavvi.co.uk, is not taking orders and Zavvi has announced a “temporary suspension” of the service, for which EUK was the exclusive fulfilment partner.
Zavvi issued a statement saying that “as a direct result” of the EUK problems, the Web site is “unable to fully guarantee the supply of DVD, music and games products ordered by its customers and as its customers remain its primary concern, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, Zavvi.co.uk regretfully has decided to suspend taking orders for these products until the situation with EUK’s administrators has been resolved.”
The retailer added that it was cancelling all outstanding customer Web site orders. Affected customers will receive an email confirmation and, if a transaction has been completed, a full refund will be given.
The company’s statement added: “Zavvi.co.uk would like to apologise for any inconvenience and would like to assure customers that this decision was not taken lightly. Zavvi.co.uk firmly believes that this is the right course of action under the circumstances and customers can be confident that Zavvi is doing everything possible to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
